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Something on your mind? Chat about it here. I’ve been buying a ton of cardigans lately, and I got this one a few weeks ago. I love Splendid in general for great quality cotton and casual wear — and now with The Outnet’s Friends & Family sale, you can get an extra 20% off until midnight on Monday with code 20SHARELOVE. This cardigan, for example, was $68… but is now marked to $23.80… so with the extra 20% off it’ll come down to $19.04. Nice! Splendid Draped Cotton and Modal-Blend Cardigan P.S.: Happy President’s Day to everyone who has Monday off. Stay tuned to the blog — we’ll try to do a roundup of some of the best online sales for the weekend. (Some are already starting!) (L-2)Workwear sales of note for 4.18.24
Our favorites are in bold!
- Ann Taylor – 50% off full-price dresses, jackets & shoes; $30 off pants & skirts; extra 50% off sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything; extra 20% off purchase
- Boden – 25% off through 4/18; 15% off 4/19-20; 10% off 4/21
- Eloquii – 50% off select styles; 60% off swim; up to 40% off everything else
- Everlane – Spring Sale: up to 60% off 600+ styles
- J.Crew – Mid-Season Sale: Extra 60% off sale styles; up to 50% off spring-to-summer styles
- J.Crew Factory – Extra 20% off $125+; extra 25% of $150+; up to 60% off everything; extra 50% off clearance
- Nordstrom – Free 2-day shipping for a limited time (on eligible items)
- Talbots – Spring Sale: 40% off + extra 15% off all markdowns; 30% off new T by Talbots
- White House Black Market – 25% off entire purchase; $50 off $200
Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Stay tuned for a list of our latest threadjacks!
another anon
Does anyone use curlformers (link to follow in response)? I am having a sudden urge to curl my very strait and thick hair for a couple of upcoming events, but I know I do not have the patience to do my whole head with a curling iron. I’ve looked at a few video tutorials for the curlformers, and it looks super easy, but is it really?
And if anyone uses them, what kind of product do you put on your hair first? And do you sleep in them or blowdry your hair with them in?
another anon
http://www.amazon.com/Hair-Flair-Curlformers-Salon-Kit/dp/B003JMYU20
ESquared
I have used them and they did not work for me (although my hair is curly and I was trying to make the curly more defined).
What I think works crazy well for making curls is a 1/2 inch curling iron… Conair is my prefered brand, and just wrap the hair around the outside like in this vid (seriously, you don’t need one of those really expensive curling irons they use, just do what they do with a regular curling iron):
http://www.youtube.com/user/folicatube?v=y4NmP5mOBno&feature=pyv&ad=8286724461&kw=professional%20curling%20iron&s_cid=gaw&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_content=Type_Video&utm_campaign=GP_Video
another anon
Thanks…I was thinking the curlformers seemed too good to be true. I will definitely try the technique from the video though. I never would have thought to do it that way with a curling iron myself.
Woods-comma-Elle
So for those Corporettes who had dates today (I guess due to the time difference they might not have happened yet), I had one at lunchtime and it was actually not as painful as I thought. It wasn’t weird or awkward and even though I now have no idea whether we would see each other again, I don’t feel as much like I wasted a lunchtime as I thought I would. This was also the internet date #5 and it was the first time the guy was hotter in real life than in his picture…
Hope everyone else’s dates go ok!
meara
Hah–I was just coming on here to say I went on a date this evening! It was definitely not bad, but I think it’s been so long since I’ve been on a good one, I may not even recognize it. Oy.
Anon attorney
To the attorneys out there:
I am a senior associate with a national boutique firm. It’s not exactly Big Law but it still shares a lot of the same pressures and issues. I have been considering a move to an in-house position. Can anyone share their experience in-house? I know it is not 9-5, but I think the right in-house position would help eliminate some of the things I dislike about firm life. Thoughts?
NB
I think that depends on what it is you don’t like about firm life. I am not in-house (in government, which is way more stressful and has longer hours than my BigLaw job), but a number of my friends are. I think the type of job (GC versus perhaps a more niche practice), industry, size of the legal department, and your ultimate goals will determine whether it meets your needs. A number of my in-house friends travel more and are away from their families longer than they were at their firms, but that is the nature of their particular fields. Other friends are part of a large legal team (with no desire to become GC), and things are a lot easier and less stressful.
I will say that I went to an event this week related to the issues faced by in-house female lawyers. These were all incredibly successful women (GCs at Fortune 500 companies) and nothing they discussed, in terms of their work lives, was distinguishable from the challenges my female BigLaw friends face. They had the long hours and the difficult juggling of home responsibilities with spouses, as well as the added responsibilities that came with being the rare female executive.
I think the question comes down to your ambitions/goals, what type of work you want to do, and whether there is an industry that matches what you want.
Praxidike
I just made the move to in-house and I think it depends what type of position you’re considering, to be honest. I was in litigation, and I went in-house at one of our biggest clients. I am the only lawyer at the company. They look to me for advice on basically everything, which is in addition to my job duties.
It was a very, very, very difficult transition for me. VERY DIFFICULT. I spent the first three months thinking I’d made the biggest mistake of my career, that I was wasting my skills (I am an excellent writer, and I’m really not doing much writing, for example), that I would never be able to go back into litigation, etc etc etc. It’s been about seven months now, and I just had an exceptionally good review, got a raise, and everyone loves the work I do. I like the work better. I’m still not totally sure that it’s a forever position for me, but I think it is a long-term position.
Before I went in house, I was billing 2300-2400 hours/year. I am now working anywhere between 45 to 55 hours per week. So I am still spending a lot of time at the office, but obviously much less. Another huge difference is that at my firm, if I had my door closed no one would bother me. Here, if someone has a question, they just come in and they expect me to drop what I’m doing to help them out. It is beyond annoying, but they just don’t know any better.
Herbie
I switched from BigLaw to in-house in 2011. I like that my schedule is, for the most part, predictable. I work 50-60 hours a week, but most of the time, I don’t have to work late or on the weekends. I really like the work. I went from being a litigator to a generalist. I never know what the day will bring in-house. One day last week, I worked on employment agreements for overseas executives, a criminal matter here in the US, our patent portfolio, various litigation matters, and reviewed/revised several contracts. It’s nice to participate in the business… it feels more meaningful than drafting an MSJ or a Daubert motion that will never get ruled on because we’ll settle the case before then. I like working (mostly) with our business people. I’ve learned so much from them already.
I think it’s also important to note that I’m not a GC. My GC works a lot more than I do. If our CEO or one of our SVPs call him, there is no ignoring that call. There is no waiting till later to address a business person’s needs. I admire my GC because he’s really REALLY good at what he does… but I’m not sure I want his job.
I do miss the flexibility of my firm job. If I’d been working really hard, it was okay to come in late or leave early. My schedule in-house is much more rigid. I’m expected to be there 8-6 every day mostly without exception (obviously, we all have life things we have to do during work hours occasionally, like doctor appointments). On Fridays, if I’m feeling naughty, I’ll leave at 5:45!
On the other hand, I don’t miss partners dumping something on me on a Friday afternoon that needed to be done by Monday. I don’t miss manufactured emergencies (see the Friday afternoon dumping– oftentimes the result of a partner planning on handling something him/herself, not doing it, and then running up against the client’s deadline). I don’t miss having to cancel my plans at the last minute because I’m swamped or an “emergency” came up. Or working on Christmas or other holidays. I didn’t realize how much mental energy the billable hour was sucking up. Either I felt like I couldn’t do things for me on the weekend because I “needed” to be billing, or I was miserable because I was billing all the time. It’s nice not to have the billable hour over my head.
If you have the opportunity to interview for an in-house position, go for it. I think the biggest questions are (1) is the company / its legal department the right fit for you and (2) does the type of work you’d be expected to do sound appealing to you?
Hope that helps.
jbgsunshine
Any Toronto-area Corporettes interested in a meet-up?
Anon
Yes! Definitely!
jbgsunshine
Hooray! I’ll post on a few more threads this week as this probably got a bit lost in the holiday weekend. Any idea how to go about it logistically? Some kind of email group I guess? I’ve always just sort of skipped over threads about meetings in other cities…
Clueless Summer
I would definitely be interested in a meet up after mid-March, which is when I’ll be back in TO permanently. (North of 60 corporette meet-up in the meantime? Anyone? Anyone?)
I think someone usually makes an anonymous email address and the details of the meet up are co-ordinated from there, such as torontocorporettemeetup@whatever…
jbgsunshine
Don’t know why my initial comment’s still sitting in moderation… Wondering if there are any Toronto-area corporettes that might be interested in a meet up?
CDN Anons
Yes! Great Idea!
Equity's Darling
If I happen to be across the country visiting my parents, I’d love to attend…..
I’d encourage one in Calgary, but I’m pretty sure that I already know at least half the people who read in Calgary, and they’re friends, so you know…we meet up already, which makes a special corporette meet up pointless.
N2
I am thinking about making a career change into law and have been researching different types of lawyers, practice areas, etc. Of course most of the information I am getting is biased for a variety of reasons and there is a correlation between that particular person’s career happiness and their support of my career change. Is there really a way around this to find out if the career choice is right for me? I am hearing a lot of conflicting things based on who I talk to so I am not getting a good understanding of the field. I feel like I am unable to make a decision because I can’t get a firm grasp of what it is I am walking into and I don’t want to just wing it. I don’t know if there is an answer to this – I just thought I’d toss it out there. Thanks!
ESquared
If you can, try getting a job as a paralegal, I feel like those people know what they are getting into better than the rest of us. ;-p
Lawyers are a bitter bunch (myself included), but sometimes you can get a good idea of what lawyers do from talking to them still.
What I like to tell people is– if there is anything in life you can imagine doing instead of law, do that instead. You will be happier, in less debt, and probably less stressed.
Worst comes to worst, you hate it… and apply to law school in another year.
North Shore
Do you have a specific area of law you want to learn about, or just about being a lawyer in general?
N2
Being a lawyer in general. I am mainly interested in transactional work though I would be interested in learning about what litigation in a BigLaw setting is like.
Chicago tips?
I’m going to Chicago in about a week. I know there were some great restaurant tips on a thread a little while ago, but I’m wondering if people have recommendations for particularly helpful iPhone apps — navigating public transit, finding nearby coffee shops or attractions, etc. TIA!
NB
I don’t use any specific apps, but for public transportation, I rely heavily on the CTA bus tracker (ctabustracker DOT com) and train tracker (transitchicago DOT com SLASH mobile SLASH traintracker DOT aspx– I much prefer the mobile version). I find both to be very accurate, and they save you from waiting around in the cold or debating whether the bus is taking so long that you should probably take a taxi.
Chicago tips?
Thanks!
Bags bags bags
I love that ModCloth has a bag category called “big bags” because sometimes that’s all I need to shop around.
I wish other retailer would offer that option.
That is all.
Salit-a-gator
Zappos has a small, medium, large and extra large category selection for bags. I love it!
C
TCFKAG, was just reading an earlier thread and was curious what brand of pantyhose you like since you seem to be a frequent pantyhose wearer. I seem to be wearing hose more and more myself these days.
TCFKAG
Well, this has been an ongoing struggle for me (I think I must be the clumsiest person in the world since I tear and run my pantyhose ALL THE FR*CKING TIME).
Sometimes I just revert to whatever is for sale at CVS because its easiest. Recently I’ve become a fan of the Ann Taylor brand of hose, though the last pair I had ripped on the first day I wore them — though I think that was probably a fluke. That day happened to be a day I had a job interview though.
So on said interview day, I ran into the most convenient store on my way to the interview, which was Saks, and bought a pair of Wolford sheer hose (forget the exact type) and they are amazing. So I may start springing for those (they are so light and sheer and wonderful).
Anyway, its a real pain to find just the right balance, but I really can’t go bare legged.
TCFKAG
Oh, and if you do a search on this site, I believe there was a “the hunt” or something like it about nude hose. And lots of people chimed in.
Monday
Another nude hose warrior here, despite all dissent!
I also got a run in a pair from Ann Taylor on the first wear, so I think it’s fair to lodge some suspicion of the quality there, especially given that they’re about $20.
The bottom line is that I always keep an extra pair in my office or in my bag, because you never know when you’ll get a run. That said, I tend to get CK at Filene’s Basement or similar. I’ve also had a surprising success with a kind called “Silky Sheer” at Target. I have never gone way upmarket, so can’t comment on that.
C
Thanks ladies. I went out shopping this afternoon and bought several of the recommendations to try them out and find the sweet spot (if there is such a thing for hose) But always in a pinch I am sure I will end up with whatever is most convenient. I too cannot stand going bare legged anymore, I think wearing pantyhose just looks better anyway.
Blonde Lawyer
Since we are both “out” as crohnies, pantyhose doesn’t kill your stomach? I can wear them every once in awhile but I usually wind up with a stomach ache. Then I’ll take a pair of scissors and cut the sides to make them looser which will at least get me through the day but makes them harder to rewear. I have the same issue with tights. I have super skinny legs so in some brands I can go up to bigger sizes but in others the ankles just end up baggy and gross. I love the summer time when I can just wear skirts with no hose. I end up wearing pants most of the winter or long enough skirts to wear boots. Sucks.
TCFKAG
Never been a major issue for me, though sometimes at my sickest I guess I might avoid them. :-)
eek
I try not to buy control top and am usually ok until I don’t pay attention to the packaging…..grrrrr. Recently, I mistakenly bought Donna Karan’s “The Nudes” in essential toner or control top and ouch. They were unbearable for the few hours I was in them. The DK Sheer to Waist is the best for me. They are wonderful.
Must find the other pair I bought (unworn) and exchange tomorrow.
I am tempted by the Wolfords…maybe with my next stash of Nordstrom Notes. I tried the Oroblue once and liked them, but the lightest color was too dark on my skin.
goirishkj
For me, even control top doesn’t bug me as much as pants since the pressure is more spread out instead of right on one spot like pants. Generally I find skirts are more comfortable than pants for me and easier when I’m in a flare though I haven’t had any surgeries, so maybe that might change my experience.
MeliaraofTlanth
believe it or not, I like the Duane Reade brand (local NY pharmacy chain). They’re the only ones I’ve found that truly match my skin tone, and are surprisingly durable (and cheap enough that if they do get a run, I don’t feel bad about running out and buying a new pair)
AnonInfinity
I hope it’s not too late in the weekend to get some perspectives on a dilemma.
My grandfather and his sister (my great aunt) have been feuding for a number of years. Just recently the sister’s livestock got out of a fence and destroyed my grandfather’s yard. He wants them to pay the bill for the repairs. I told him to try calling her and talking with her calmly about the situation, and maybe she will go ahead and pay since she is clearly at fault. I honestly don’t think that will happen for a lot of reasons.
His other recourse is obviously the courts. I told him he could go to small claims court. In my state, you can’t be represented by counsel in small claims court, but we do have district courts for small (money wise) controversies where attorneys can represent the parties.
I am not close to my great aunt, but I don’t hate her. I think she has wronged my grandfather in the past, but I also know that he is definitely just as at fault in their historic feuding due to his very quick and heated temper. I also think that she should pay to get his lawn repaired. Would it be a terrible idea for me to represent my grandpa in the district court? I pointed him toward small claims, but I obviously want to help him as much as he can. On the other hand, I know my great aunt can’t afford a lawyer to represent her in district court, so it’s not like it would really end up being fair. And of course there’s all the weird family emotional stuff in the situation.
a lawyer
I would stay out of this if at all possible. Two options:
1) if your granddad won’t call her, have him write her a letter and ask her to pay for the damages.
2) if that does not work, the absolute best solution is for them to go head to head, without attorneys, in small claims court. Then it is over, whatever the judge says.
Be aware that if someone opened a gate and let the cows out or if they had not previously escaped and your grandmother can prove that she regularly maintained her fence, she may not be negligent. I’m thinking of the line of cases where cow wanders onto road and someone hits it and is injured or destroys their car. The law may be different where it is just direct damage from cows to yard.
AnonInfinity
Good points all around. I should say that their feud was started when her cows got out and destroyed his garden a few years ago, so the cows have a history of escaping.
Family members suing each other over relatively small amounts (here, just a few hundred dollars) is just so sad to me, and I think that’s one thing that is bothering me. It just seems like it would be difficult to impossible to repair a relationship after that. But I had the realization after I wrote this that I don’t think my grandfather wants a relationship with his sister anymore. Ugh. It’s just hard for me to wrap my head around when it’s not like there’s a “good reason” (drug abuse, physical abuse, etc.) for him to want to cut her out of his life.
meme
IME litigation over “a few hundred dollars” = almost never worth it. It sounds like the only real purpose it would serve is to further the feud, which probably is good for no one’s physical or mental health. If it were me, I would encourage him to let it go or perhaps try to talk to her and leave it at that. If he can’t afford the lawn repairs, perhaps you or another family member could help with that.
Bluejay
Stay out of it. As in, don’t even offer an opinion, let alone your legal services.
Anonymous
Could he make a claim directly against her insurance? A coworker’s sibling once hit a cow that had wandered out of its fence and her auto insurer then subrogated against the farmer’s insurance.
Just a thought if you’re trying to keep it out of the courts…
Also – for those interested, the cow was perfectly fine, the hood of the car, notsomuch
Blonde Lawyer
I totally would have asked about the cow. I hope the driver was okay too!
Anonforthis
Dilemma: pursue exciting career path in obscure area of law that I really love, and deal with lots of financial insecurity and possible multiple relocations over the next 5-10 years; OR take safe, stable, well-paying firm job in area of law that’s kinda sorta interesting. I’m married with no kids, four cats, and loads of loan debt.
Any advice? I’m torn.
Monday
At the risk of stating the obvious, I think it just comes down to what you value more: stability and security or excitement/inspiration from your work. (However, sometimes we think we’re getting one of them and elements of the other still crop up unexpectedly.) Because you’re married–assuming that decision is not up for revisiting–what your husband values is also part of the equation.
My only other advice is to own the decision once you’ve made it. If you picture being bitter and resentful, having chosen either path, then it may not really be a practical option. A lot of peripheral things can be made to work, but if at the core you’re unhappy with the circumstances of your life it’s pretty hard to compensate for that in any way. Good luck!
Anonforthis
That’s good advice, thanks. I do picture myself feeling disappointed and resentful if I pick the safe option, so I guess that’s telling me something!
Jennifer
What do you all think of this? Has anyone worn Milly before—if so, what’s the sizing like? I’m imagining it worn as a casual dress. Impossible?
http://bit.ly/Alow7V (links to a Milly dress from Neiman Marcus)
AIMS
I like it (gorgeous!!) but not sure where I would wear it. This is definitely a dress that calls for a dressy casual garden party. I would say sizing is “true to size” meaning a bit smaller than the more mass market brands like Gap/BR/AT, but not so small as really high end stuff. Think Rebecca Taylor & DvF.
Jennifer
Thanks!
MissJackson
Agree with AIMS on sizing.
I’m busty, and generally need a larger size on top than bottom (so my dress size corresponds with my top size). In tops, I’m usually an 8 at AT, BR, etc. I’m a 10 in Elie Tahari, DvF, etc. A 12 in Theory. I’m wearing a Milly blouse today and I just checked — it’s a 10.
Bonnie
I saw this dress at Nordstrom this weekend if you want to try it on.
PDwannabee
Any PD corporettes? What do you recommend for my “statement of interest” for an entry level PD position? I have been an atty in a niche area -mostly transactional- about 10 yrs but always just really loved my pro bono cases (have been in trial and appellate court for those). I can finally afford to work for a PD salary and just want to see what happens if I submit for them. Any advice?
Anon
I would say something about upholding the constitution and providing a voice for the marginalized in our society, because to me, as a PD, that is the core of what we do.
AIMS
Is a statement of interest necessary? I would consider omitting if it’s optional (I know perspectives vary, but I always thought that was a really silly area on the resume), and then stress in your cover letter why you want to transition (e.g., you really loved working on your pro bono cases).
PDwannabee
OMG, thanks to you both! that is really helpful! I love that and am totes stealing it, like that Walt Whitman quote to stand up for the stupid and the crazy (which Walt needed to reword, so unPC!). Yeah, for one of the offices they say cover letter PLUS resume PLUS “statement of interest” and I wasn’t sure what that was :) I think it varies & I agree, it looks kind of foofy on the resume unless it is explicitly requested.
anon
Has anyone tried the new Crocs brand, You by Crocs? They are a dressier version of crocs, with leather uppers. I’m thinking of ordering these Semmy ballet flats, but there are not a lot of reviews. I keep thinking I can find a comfortable pair of ballet style flats, but so far no luck. I tried the Cole Haan ones, and thought they lacked cushioning and support. I need a tennis shoe disguised as a ballet flat. Of course, then I probably wouldn’t like the style.
http://www.zappos.com/product/7925552/color/3?si1773698=&channel=41&mr:referralID=023044b0-5bd4-11e1-ac63-001b2166c2c0
Blonde Lawyer
They look great! Please review them if you order them.
Accountress
I’ve found that the You by Crocs are just a smidge smaller- length & width- than regular Crocs. See if you can find a Crocs store or kiosk near you and try on a pair before you order.
I know that Journeys and Dillards both carry some Crocs styles, if there are no proper stores nears you.
momentsofabsurdity
Just ordered a suit from Victoria’s Secret – it’s returnable and it was pretty inexpensive, but I’m judging myself a liiiiiiiitle bit…
Oh well, Kat featured the suit here once so I at least know it’s not insanely inappropriate for everything always.